Department for Transport

Aviation: Training

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with airline companies on the provision of bad or adverse weather training for airline staff.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with airline companies on the provision of training for pilots on the use of radar.

Mr Robert Goodwill: As the independent aviation safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) monitors training standards as part of its oversight of UK airlines. Over the course of their training programme, pilots are trained in the use of weather radar equipment and weather avoidance procedures. Airline training instructors and examiners are regularly audited by the CAA to ensure the quality of training meets the highest licensing standards.

Bus Services Bill (HL)

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department expects the Bus Services Bill draft statutory guidance to be published.

Andrew Jones: We are currently meeting with key stakeholders to discuss the potential contents of the secondary legislation and guidance needed to compliment the Bill. We expect to have all the necessary secondary legislation and guidance prepared by spring 2017.

Bus Services Bill (HL)

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when his Department expects the Bus Services Bill impact assessments to be published.

Andrew Jones: The Bus Services Bill impact assessments were published on 27th June 2016.https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/532151/the-bus-services-bill-impact-assessments.pdf

Taxis: Assistance Dogs

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the taxi driver licensing process provides more awareness to taxi drivers of the requirements to take guide and other service dogs in their vehicles.

Andrew Jones: Guide and assistance dogs enable their owners to live and travel in safety and with dignity. Refusing them access to services, including taxis and private hire vehicles is not only illegal, but can damage their confidence and independence. The details of individual taxi and PHV licensing regimes is a matter for the respective local authorities, however I urge them to consider how best to equip drivers with the skills and knowledge to provide all disabled customers with the assistance they need. We are considering how Government could help to reduce incidents of assistance dog refusals by taxi and PHV drivers, but in the meantime I encourage authorities to take robust action against those who are unwilling to comply.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the near collision between an unmanned drone and a passenger aircraft above Clydebank on 6 March 2016.

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with West Dunbartonshire Council on the near collision between an unmanned drone and a passenger aircraft above Clydebank on 6 March 2016.

Mr Robert Goodwill: There is a process in place for reporting such incidents. The independent UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has a well-established and high reputation for investigating all airprox incidents effectively and to make safety recommendations which it believes are necessary. More information about this process can be found at the following link https://www.airproxboard.org.uk/Learn-more/The-Airprox-process/.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many incidents involving unmanned drones and aircraft in the proximity of UK airports have been reported in each month in each of the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The following table show the number of incidents involving unmanned drones that have been reported by pilots, air traffic control and the general public for each month since 2015. There is no specific data relating to incidents in the proximity of UK airports and very low levels of reporting prior to 2015. These figures should be viewed with the following caveats: The numbers also include possible drone events in the UK where there is insufficient time to positively identify if an ‘object’ was definitely a drone.Lag in process reporting could result in re-categorisation of incidents, which could have an impact on the numbers.   2015Jan2Feb3Mar2Apr9May5Jun6Jul11Aug10Sep12Oct9Nov6Dec22016Jan4Feb9Mar31Apr27May25

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what guidelines there are for the flying of unmanned drones in the proximity of airports.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Article 166 of the UK Air Navigation order 2009 (ANO) requires operators of small unmanned aircraft to maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purposes of avoiding collisions. It also states that an operator may only fly the aircraft if they are reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made. In addition, Article 138 of the ANO 2009, which also applies to small unmanned aircraft, states that “a person must not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property”. This includes persons within another aircraft, and of course the aircraft that those persons are within. The Civil Aviation Authority issues CAP 722 which is guidance for operating drones in the UK.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, which types of lorries are being used for the delivery of High Speed 2 projects.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Principal contractors will be required to determine what HGVs are employed on HS2 construction and ensure they comply with relevant quality standards such as Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme. It is anticipated that excavated material will be transported in rigid tippers (up to 33 tonne gross vehicle weight), and concrete will be supplied in 6 or 8 cubic metre capacity rigid lorries. Other materials are likely to be supplied by a mixture of rigid and articulated lorries of various sizes.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with airline operators in response to incidents between unmanned drones and passenger airlines.

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions his Department has had with airport operators on responding to incidents involving unmanned drones and aircraft.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department for Transport (DfT) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) work with a wide range of industry partners across the aviation sector, (including manufacturers, airports, and airlines), to ensure our understanding of potential hazards to aircraft remains up-to-date. Further work is underway to better understand the risk posed by flying drones close to commercial planes to ensure that regulations remain fit for purpose.

Unmanned Air Vehicles

Martin Docherty-Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with the Scottish Government on the issue of resilience in the event of a drone collision with a passenger airline in Scottish airspace.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Government hasn’t had any direct discussions with a Scottish Government on this issue. Commercial aircraft are already rigorously tested to withstand collisions with small objects, such as birds, but my Department and the Civil Aviation Authority are working with the aviation sector, including manufacturers, airports and airlines, to ensure our understanding of the potential hazards to aircraft remains up-to-date. This activity is also helping to provide real life evidence of drone risks and the options for preventing collisions.

Motor Vehicles: Hydrogen

Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has for facilitating the development of infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles in (a) York, (b) North Yorkshire and (c) the UK.

Andrew Jones: This Government is supporting the hydrogen for transport market in the UK by providing funding for an initial 12 hydrogen refuelling stations to be deployed by the end of this year. These initial stations are primarily in the South East to support vehicle manufacturers’ geographically-focussed model launches. However, there are also stations in Sheffield, South Wales, Swindon and 2 mobile refuellers. Further consideration how we can best support continued growth of hydrogen infrastructure will be made once the initial 12 stations have been delivered alongside assessing the development of the vehicle market.

Offshore Industry: Helicopters

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 June 2016 to Question 39766, what proportion of all flights between UK airports and oil rigs were undertaken by (a) AS332 Super Puma and (b) Eurocopter EC225 aircraft in each of those years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The proportion of flights between UK airports and oil rigs undertaken by the AS3332 SUPER PUMA and Eurocopter EC225 aircraft in each year since 2007 is as follows: Aircraft Type200720082009201020112012201320142015AEROSPATIALE AS332 SUPER PUMA C1E54.1%42.5%33.4%28.7%24.9%23.5%25.9%13.4%4.0%EUROCOPTER EC225 (H225)11.0%14.6%17.2%23.4%27.2%21.0%1.5%15.8%21.4%

Offshore Industry: Helicopters

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 14 June 2016 to Question 39766, on offshore industry helicopters, how many and what proportion of flights in the UK North Sea oil and gas sector were undertaken by each other licensed model helicopter in each year since 2007.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The proportion of flights between UK airports and oil rigs undertaken by helicopters other than AS3332 SUPER PUMA and Eurocopter EC225 aircraft in each year since 2007 is in the attached table.



Table
(PDF Document, 96.3 KB)

Bus Services: Disability

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport of 11 June 2015, Official Report, column 1310, what the evidential basis is for the statement that almost 100 per cent of bus drivers have received some form of disability awareness training.

Andrew Jones: Disability awareness training is vital for equipping bus drivers with the knowledge and skills to provide all passengers with the assistance they need, and I am grateful to the industry for ensuring that the majority of drivers can now benefit from it. Evidence from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), published in “Summary of responses to the Department for Transport's review of the mandatory disability awareness training exemption applied under EU Regulation 181/2011 (concerning bus and coach passenger rights)” (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bus-and-coach-drivers-summary-of-disability-awareness-training-review ) in January 2015 estimates that between 2008 and 2013 153,357 drivers undertook disability awareness training as part of their Certificate of Professional Competence, compared to the 130,000 drivers understood to be active in the industry. It is to this that I believe my Hon Friend was referring in her response of the 11th June 2015.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assistance his Department is providing to support research and development into technologies to reduce emissions from ships.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The Department has played a leading role – for example, at the International Maritime Organization – in removing legal and technical barriers which could restrict the growth in ‘green technologies’ and distort fair competition.

Shipping: Energy

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he or officials of his Department have had with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency on the process to ensure that ports effectively monitor ship energy efficiency management plans; and how many ships have been found not to possess an updated plan in the last five years.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans come under the purview of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Inspectors when carrying out Port State Control inspections. They have been mandatory since 1 January 2013. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has carried out 4018 Port State Control inspections since the requirement became mandatory and 24 vessels have been identified with deficiencies relating to energy efficiency.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions (a) he and (b) officials of his Department have had with the European Maritime Safety Agency on implementing sulphur reduction regulations.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Requirements under Directive 2012/33/EU – the sulphur content of marine fuels – came into force in the UK on 16 December 2014. Official level discussions between the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and the Department on technical and operational aspects of the sulphur limits take place in the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF). In addition, DfT and EMSA officials attend a comitology committee which considers legal matters arising from these requirements. There have been no direct discussions between DfT Ministers and EMSA on the sulphur requirements.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what work his Department is carrying out in advance of the International Maritime Organisation's 70th session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee to ensure a collective agreement on (a) fair share and (b) other possible measures needed to reduce carbon emissions.

Mr Robert Goodwill: With greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping expected to grow as others sectors act to reduce theirs, the UK Government is clear that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) must take further steps to reduce emissions and improve the energy efficiency of ships. At the 69th session of the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, there was broad support from Member States and industry for proposals to define international shipping’s fair share of global greenhouse gas emissions. The UK strongly supports the establishing of a Working Group at the 70th session of the Committee (MEPC70) to discuss how the Organization should take this work forward and will play an active part in this group. Department for Transport officials are continuing to engage with international partners to consider how these proposals can be taken forward in the IMO and to ensure that international shipping plays its part in working towards the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. Regarding the energy efficiency of ships, the UK is actively contributing to the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the data collection system for fuel consumption of ships ahead of the MEPC70. The establishing of the data collection system is the first step in an agreed three step process towards further technical and operational measures applicable to new and existing ships. We are confident that the data collection system will be adopted at MEPC70 and the UK will continue to contribute to the work of this group to ensure that the data collection system is robust and transparent.

Shipping: Exhaust Emissions

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Foreign Secretary on diplomatic efforts to promote an agreement for reducing shipping emissions through the International Maritime Organisation.

Mr Robert Goodwill: Department for Transport officials continue to work closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other departments to ensure that the UK continues to play a leading role in ongoing discussions in the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee regarding a global solution to tackling emissions from international shipping. With greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping expected to grow as others sectors act to reduce theirs, the UK Government is clear that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) must take further steps to cut emissions and improve energy efficiency. Negotiations in the IMO on how the global shipping sector further reduce emissions and contribute to the goal in the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increases to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts towards 1.5°C, are at an early, technical stage.

Official Cars: Safety

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to paragraph 2.31 of his Department's Road Safety Statement, published in December 2015, what progress he has made on ensuring that the Government promotes the uptake of vehicles with high safety ratings through its own buying and procurement.

Andrew Jones: The Government Buying Standards (GBS) are mandatory for central government procurement and recommended for the wider public sector. The current GBS has been in place since 2012. Departments for Transport and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are working together to revise the standards for cars and revisions will encourage safer and cleaner vehicles where appropriate, new standards are expected by 2017.

Motor Vehicles: Safety

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to (a) support the updating of the European NCAP and (b) promote new road safety technology.

Andrew Jones: The Department for Transport, as a founding member of Euro NCAP, takes a keen interest in their work on improving car safety through financial support and active participation on the Board of Directors. Euro NCAP regularly updates the assessment criteria to reflect new technologies and improved designs. As such it has been fundamental to improving the safety of new cars in the UK, and the organisation provides a valuable source of information to UK consumers. The British Road Safety Statement, published in December 2015, sets out a range of measures to improve vehicle safety. These include actions to increase the awareness of the Euro NCAP star rating system so that consumers are better able to consider safety in their purchasing decisions, as well as engaging with fleet buyers in both public and private sectors.

Roads: Accidents

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to amend road accident investigation procedures to enable more data to be gathered about accidents on roads.

Andrew Jones: The police regularly supply statistical information about personal-injury road accidents to the Department. This is commonly called the Stats19 dataset. The Department for Transport and the Home Office have recently developed a new Stats19 data collection for police forces called CRASH (Collision Reporting and Sharing). This has been adopted by 24 police forces in England. CRASH adds some new fields which provide additional information on the incident as well as speeding up the delivery of data. These fields will provide new information which the Department will use to monitor and improve road safety. The Department routinely carries out reviews of the Stats19 variables. These reviews ensure that the most important variables are being collected and allow Stats19 to reflect any changes in any relevant aspects of driving – for instance, considering what will be required when autonomous vehicles are using the roads. The reviews involve police forces and users of the Stats19 data. As well as considering what new pieces of information will be required, the reviews also need to consider the burden placed on police forces in collecting these data. All concerned parties recognise that over-burdening police forces with excessive data collection demands will result in a reduction in data quality. The reviews, therefore, balance the data needs of users with resource availability in police forces.It is likely that the next review will take place in 2017.

Large Goods Vehicles: Safety

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will take steps to incentivise road haulage businesses to purchase vehicles with (a) lower driving positions, (b) observation cameras, (c) glass doors and (d) other advanced safety measures.

Andrew Jones: A number of lorry manufacturers produce models with lower cabs, glass doors and other safety equipment such as cameras and their use is increasingly common on UK roads. Transport for London’s Freight Operator Recognition Scheme and Construction Logistics Cyclist Safety scheme encourage the use of safer vehicle designs and equipment for vehicles operating in London. Compliance with such a scheme can be a contractual requirement, including for some major public sector transport projects, such as Crossrail. We support the aims of such schemes in improving road safety.

Driving Tests

Ruth Cadbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will introduce a compulsory module on understanding the needs and risks of vulnerable road users to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence syllabus.

Andrew Jones: The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) was purposely designed so that drivers and their employers can decide what type of training is best for the individual. This flexibility ensures that personal training needs are met. Nevertheless, the Government recognises the importance of drivers understanding the needs and risks of vulnerable road users (VRUs). DVSA guidance on Driver CPC course approval therefore encourages training providers to include VRU content within periodic training courses where appropriate.

Roads: Bradford

Judith Cummins: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans he has to improve road connectivity between Bradford and its wider region.

Andrew Jones: The Government is committed to improving transport links across the North and Bradford, as a key partner in the Leeds City Region, has access to the biggest Growth Deal allocation agreed in 2014 which will provide up to £781m for the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund through Local Growth Fund and Gain Share up to 2035. The fund will allow Bradford to access funding for the schemes they need to benefit the city and improve connectivity between Bradford and the rest of the North. In addition to this local investment, the Road Investment Strategy will tackle delays for commuters on the strategic road network between Bradford, Leeds and Manchester. This includes improving the M62/M606 Chain Bar Interchange where congestion is a major issue, and the planned Smart Motorway scheme for junctions 20-25 of the M62 will increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve safety. To support this work, the 2016 Budget announced a further £161 million to accelerate the transformation of the M62, as part of building the Northern Powerhouse.

Pedestrian Crossings

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's Local Transport Note No. 2/95, published in April 1995, if he will amend that note to assume a lower walking speed for pedestrian crossing timings.

Andrew Jones: Local Transport Note 2/95 provides advice to local authorities on calculating timings for crossings. The design walking speed of 1.2m/s used in the guidance covers 85% of the population. It is generally felt that this allows enough time for pedestrians to cross, and is long enough to accommodate people that walk more slowly. Where a crossing might be used by a large number of older people or those with mobility issues, for example outside residential care homes, we recommend that this should be taken into account when setting timings. The guidance for crossings is not statutory and local authorities can choose to use a slower walking speed if they deem it suitable. The Department is considering how best to update guidance, including that on pedestrian crossings, in light of the revision to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 which came into force on 22 April.

Bus Services

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department's publication entitled Bus Reform Workshops: background information, published in September 2015, for what reason provisions related to Clause 21 of the Bus Services Bill on the prohibiting of local authorities from forming bus companies were not discussed in that document.

Andrew Jones: The workshops held in September 2015 were designed to help shape the content of the Bill. The provisions related to Clause 21 had not yet been drafted when the workshops took place.

Bus Services

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he had with (a) bus operators and (b) local authorities on preventing local authorities outside of London from forming bus companies whilst the Bus Services Bill is under consideration.

Andrew Jones: There are only 8 existing municipal bus companies operating services in England, and we are not aware of any current plans to establish new municipal bus companies. Government recognises the quality services that existing municipal bus companies provide for passengers, and these existing companies will not be affected. However, it is our view that the commissioning and provision of bus services should be kept separate from each other, particularly as the introduction of new partnership and franchising powers in the Bill could lead to more local authority control and influence of local services.

High Speed 2 Railway Line

Andrew Bridgen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he expects HS2 Ltd to implement discretionary arrangements to assist property owners affected by the High Speed 2 route.

Mr Robert Goodwill: The long-term discretionary assistance schemes are available for the London to West Midlands (Phase One) and the West Midlands to Crewe (Phase 2a) sections of HS2. The interim Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) is available for the remainder of the route (Phase 2b). A consultation on the long-term discretionary compensation and assistance schemes to replace the EHS for Phase 2b will be launched at the time of the route announcement in autumn this year.

Bus Services: Disability

Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what his policy is on the relative priorities given to wheelchair users and passengers with pushchairs using dedicated access spaces on buses.

Andrew Jones: It would be inappropriate of me to comment on this particular issue while the Supreme Court considers the FirstGroup vs Paulley case. However, I am keen to hear of the experiences of disabled passengers, as well as passengers with pushchairs, to inform the development of future policy on this issue.

Motor Vehicles: Fraud

Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent representations his Department has received on motor vehicle mileage fraud; and if he will make a statement.

Andrew Jones: The Department for Transport has received representations from Noble Lords and the Retail Motor Industry along with two Parliamentary Questions on mileage fraud during the past year. Mileage fraud is an offence under the ‘Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008’ and the Fraud Act 2006 and is dealt with by local Trading Standards enforcement. It is now a requirement for vehicle mileage to be recorded on the MOT form. This allows consumers to check previous mileages for a vehicle online at the GOV.UK website. Department for Transport and Business and Innovation and Skills ministers are considering whether there are further practical steps that can be taken to address mileage fraud.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Sub-Saharan Africa: Albinism

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will raise the issue of attacks on and murders of people with albinism with his counterparts in sub-Saharan African countries.

James Duddridge: The UK strongly believes that everyone, everywhere, should enjoy the rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We are concerned by any reports of violence perpetrated against people with albinism. Our High Commissioner to Malawi raised this issue during his meeting with the Malawian Foreign Minister on 27 April and we will continue to raise concerns about human rights violations and abuses in the region when the opportunities arise.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Jo Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ensure the constructive engagement of the Saudi-led coalition with the UN on the question of its de-listing as a state or armed group that violates children's rights during conflict.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: [This question was tabled before the sad death of the Honourable Lady but the subject remains important and the Government’s response ought to be placed on the public record.]The UN Secretary General’s annual report on Children in Armed Conflict was published on 2 June. The report includes a section outlining the impact of the conflict in Yemen on children.The conflict in Yemen has had a significant impact on children, in terms of the numbers of child casualties, the recruitment of children as soldiers, and attacks on hospitals and schools.We note the announcement by the UN Secretary General on 6 June that removed the listing of the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition from the report’s annex, pending the conclusion of a joint review by the UN and Saudi Arabia on the cases and numbers cited in the text. We welcome co-operation between the UN and Saudi Arabia to look in to this matter.

Burma: Human Rights

Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Burmese counterpart on (a) releasing people detained for the exercise of their human rights and (b) dropping charges pending against those who are facing imprisonment simply for the exercise of these rights.

Mr Hugo Swire: The release of some 200 political prisoners during its first few weeks in office is a strong demonstration of the new Burmese Government’s commitment to reforming human rights and the rule of law in Burma. However, we remain concerned that arrests, detentions and sentencing of political activists could continue while the military retains control of the Home Ministry, Police and Courts.Tackling the causes of political prisoners will require a thorough but longer-term process of legislative and judicial reform. Having an effective Political Prisoners Committee will be an important element of that process and is something we have consistently called for and will continue to do.The Government has long campaigned on the issue of political prisoners in Burma. We have maintained pressure through bilateral and international actions such as the two annual UN resolutions on Burma in which we have played an instrumental part. I raised this issue directly with the then Minister for the Presidency, U Aung Min, during my visit to Burma in July 2015. We will work with the new Government to help it continue to make progress.

Yemen: Military Intervention

Jo Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effect of the temporary removal of the Saudi-led coalition from the UN's list of states and armed groups that violate children's rights during conflict on the integrity and effectiveness of UN Security Council measures on children and armed conflict.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: [This question was tabled before the sad death of the Honourable Lady but the subject remains important and the Government’s response ought to be placed on the public record.]The UN Secretary General’s annual report on Children in Armed Conflict was published on 2 June. The report includes a section outlining the impact of the conflict in Yemen on children.The conflict in Yemen has had a significant impact on children, in terms of the numbers of child casualties, the recruitment of children as soldiers, and attacks on hospitals and schools.We note the announcement by the UN Secretary General on 6 June that removed the listing of the Saudi Arabian-led Coalition from the report’s annex, pending the conclusion of a joint review by the UN and Saudi Arabia on the cases and numbers cited in the text. We welcome co-operation between the UN and Saudi Arabia to look in to this matter. A political solution remains the best way to bring this conflict and the suffering of the Yemeni people to an end. The UK Government continues to support the work of the United Nations on Children and Armed Conflict.

Turkey: Syria

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2016 to Question 37099, if the Government will support an independent investigation into allegations of attacks on Syrian asylum seekers by Turkish border guards.

Mr David Lidington: Turkey continues to show extraordinary generosity by hosting over 2.7 million Syrian refugees. This has included granting Syrian refugees the right to work, and providing education and committing to increase access to it. Turkey also offers humanitarian support to refugees across its border with Syria. I refer the Honourable Gentleman to my answer of 25 May 2016 in response to his Written Question of 18 May 2016 (37099). It remains our understanding that the Turkish government has made preparations to accept more Syrian refugees should conditions in Syria necessitate so, but that its approach is to enable humanitarian aid to be provided to affected populations in northern Syria. Turkey has confirmed that its border remains open to the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. We take all allegations about Turkish treatment of migrants seriously, and raise them regularly with the Turkish authorities.

Turkey: Syria

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2016 to Question 37099, if the Government will support a public call on the government of Turkey to end the closure of its border with Syria.

Mr David Lidington: Turkey continues to show extraordinary generosity by hosting over 2.7 million Syrian refugees. This has included granting Syrian refugees the right to work, and providing education and committing to increase access to it. Turkey also offers humanitarian support to refugees across its border with Syria. I refer the Honourable Gentleman to my answer of 25 May 2016 in response to his Written Question of 18 May 2016 (37099). It remains our understanding that the Turkish government has made preparations to accept more Syrian refugees should conditions in Syria necessitate so, but that its approach is to enable humanitarian aid to be provided to affected populations in northern Syria. Turkey has confirmed that its border remains open to the most vulnerable Syrian refugees. We take all allegations about Turkish treatment of migrants seriously, and raise them regularly with the Turkish authorities.

Turkey: Alevism

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the extent to which the Alevi community in Turkey has the right to exercise freedom of religious expression; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Lidington: We have noted the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling and regularly discuss issues concerning freedom of religion and belief, including those of the Alevi community, with our Turkish interlocutors. We will continue to do so. The Turkish government continues to improve protections for all religious minorities in Turkey. We welcome the continuing implementation of the Law on Foundations which has seen a number of properties returned to minority community foundations or the payment of compensation. As we highlighted to Turkey through the 2015 UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights, we would like to see Turkey implement legislation that increases protection of the rights of persons belonging to all minority religious groups, including the status of their places of worship.

Turkey: Alevism

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the human rights situation of the Alevi community in Turkey; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Lidington: We have noted the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling and regularly discuss issues concerning freedom of religion and belief, including those of the Alevi community, with our Turkish interlocutors. We will continue to do so. The Turkish government continues to improve protections for all religious minorities in Turkey. We welcome the continuing implementation of the Law on Foundations which has seen a number of properties returned to minority community foundations or the payment of compensation. As we highlighted to Turkey through the 2015 UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights, we would like to see Turkey implement legislation that increases protection of the rights of persons belonging to all minority religious groups, including the status of their places of worship.

Turkey: Religious Freedom

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on the treatment of minority religious groups in Turkey.

Mr David Lidington: We have noted the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling and regularly discuss issues concerning freedom of religion and belief, including those of the Alevi community, with our Turkish interlocutors. We will continue to do so. The Turkish government continues to improve protections for all religious minorities in Turkey. We welcome the continuing implementation of the Law on Foundations which has seen a number of properties returned to minority community foundations or the payment of compensation. As we highlighted to Turkey through the 2015 UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights, we would like to see Turkey implement legislation that increases protection of the rights of persons belonging to all minority religious groups, including the status of their places of worship.

Turkey: Alevism

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the European Court of Human Rights' ruling of 26 April 2016 on religious discrimination against the Alevi community in Turkey.

Mr David Lidington: We have noted the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling and regularly discuss issues concerning freedom of religion and belief, including those of the Alevi community, with our Turkish interlocutors. We will continue to do so. The Turkish government continues to improve protections for all religious minorities in Turkey. We welcome the continuing implementation of the Law on Foundations which has seen a number of properties returned to minority community foundations or the payment of compensation. As we highlighted to Turkey through the 2015 UN Universal Periodic Review of human rights, we would like to see Turkey implement legislation that increases protection of the rights of persons belonging to all minority religious groups, including the status of their places of worship.

Bahrain: Religious Freedom

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps his Department has taken to engage the Bahraini monarchy to ensure that freedom of religion and belief is promoted and upheld.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We regularly discuss freedom of religion and belief with the highest levels of the Government of Bahrain. I did so most recently on 2 June when I met with the Bahraini Foreign Minister at the biannual UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group meeting.

Bahrain: Nationality

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent reports he has received on the relocation of Bahraini citizenship from Sheikh Isa Qassim.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We are concerned by reports that the nationality of Bahraini Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim is being revoked, and we have raised these concerns at senior levels in the Bahraini government and publicly. We strongly encourage Bahrain to live up to its international human rights obligations.

Bahrain: Religious Freedom

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the government of Bahrain on the protection of the civil and political rights of the Shia population in that country.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We follow the political situation closely in Bahrain, including issues related to the country’s Shia population. We regularly discuss civil and political rights with the highest levels of Government of Bahrain. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my Right Honorable Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) did so most recently with his Bahraini counterpart, Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa on 14 June 2016. We encourage the Government of Bahrain to respect the rights of political groups to operate and to seek an inclusive political dialogue.

Bahrain: Religious Freedom

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to the government of Bahrain on the protection of the rights of the Shia population in that country to manifest their religion through teaching, worship and observance.

Mr Tobias Ellwood: We follow the political situation closely in Bahrain, including Shia interests. We regularly discuss freedom of religion and belief with the Government of Bahrain, including at the highest levels, I did so most recently on 2 June when I met with the Bahraini Foreign Minister at the biannual UK-Bahrain Joint Working Group meeting, and the Foreign Secretary, my Rt Hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond) did so most recently with his Bahraini counterpart, Sheikh Khalid Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa on 14 June 2016.

Department for International Development

Department for International Development: EU Action

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which EU (a) legislative and (b) other proposals her Department is leading negotiations on for the Government in the Council of the EU.

Sir Desmond Swayne: No negotiations on legislative or other legal proposals are being led by my Department for the Government in the Council of the EU.

Department for International Development: EU Law

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what EU directives related to her Department's responsibilities are awaiting transposition into UK law.

Sir Desmond Swayne: There are no EU directives related to my Department’s responsibilities awaiting transportation into UK law.

St Helena: Airports

Ben Howlett: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, when she expects the airport at St Helena to open to commercial flights; and if she will make a statement.

Sir Desmond Swayne: A number of options are being explored. The aim is to establish scheduled services once an operator is identified and regulatory conditions are met.

Eritrea: Ethiopia

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment her Department has made of the effect of an escalation of border clashes between Eritrea and Ethiopia on refugees in that region.

Mr Nick Hurd: We are concerned over recent reports of fighting between Ethiopian and Eritrean forces along the border near Tsorena. My colleague the Minister for Africa, Mr Duddridge, has called on both countries to exercise restraint and said that they should engage in meaningful political discourse to seek a resolution to the ongoing border issues.The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has confirmed to DFID that the recent border clashes between Eritrea and Ethiopia have had no discernible impact on refugees in the border region. Services for refugees in the camps in Tigray region (which borders Eritrea) have not been disrupted by the clashes.Refugees have continued to cross from Eritrea to Ethiopia at a rate of around 2,000-3,000 per month in 2016 and there has been no change to this pattern.According to its global policy, UNHCR sites refugee camps ‘at a reasonable distance’ from international borders. The closest refugee camp to the Eritrean border is around 25 km away. Others are further away from the border.

Department for Education

Design and Technology: English Baccalaureate

Michelle Donelan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of including design and technology in the EBacc.

Nick Gibb: Design and Technology is a subject that can inspire and equip young people for further study and careers in a range of design and engineering fields. Our reform ensures the Design and Technology curriculum and qualifications are aligned with industry practice. The new GCSE and A levels move the subject on from its craft-based roots into a high-tech qualification.The EBacc has been designed to be limited in its size in order to provide a rigorous academic core whilst leaving space in the curriculum for pupils to study other subjects of their choice. On average, pupils in state-funded schools enter nine GCSEs and equivalent qualifications, rising to more than ten for some pupils. As the EBacc covers up to eight GCSEs, this leaves room for other choices, including Design and Technology.On 3 November 2015, the Secretary of State for Education launched a public consultation seeking views on the government’s proposals for the implementation of the EBacc. The consultation closed on 29 January 2016 and the Government’s response will be published in due course.

Education Funding Agency: Property

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the value is of property not in use which was purchased by the Education Funding Agency since 2012.

Edward Timpson: Holding answer received on 30 June 2016



The Department currently holds two sites, acquired at a cost of £2.635 million, which are not currently allocated for a Free School project. We are currently considering the options for each of these properties.

Academies: North of England

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many of the academy trusts approved to receive the Northern Fund for academy sponsors in the first competition which concluded in July 2015 operated schools which had not been inspected by Ofsted since becoming an academy.

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many of the academy trusts approved to receive the Northern Fund for academy sponsors in the second competition which concluded in February 2016 operated schools which had not been inspected by Ofsted since becoming an academy.

Edward Timpson: Holding answer received on 30 June 2016



Nine academy trusts were approved to receive the Northern Fund from the two competitions. All nine trusts (five in the first competition, and four in the second) were operating one or more schools that had not been inspected by Ofsted since becoming an academy at the time decisions were taken to award funding. Equally, all nine trusts had one of more schools that had been inspected at the time decisions were taken to award funding.Academy trusts will, at any point in time, be likely to have a mixture of academies, some of which will have been inspected as academies and some not. That is the nature of the inspection arrangements, and is why we considered a broad set of factors, including the overall performance of the trusts, to assess whether the Northern Fund would enhance their capacity and capability to improve underperforming schools.

Ministry of Justice

Ministry of Justice: EU Law

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what EU directives related to his Department's responsibilities are awaiting transposition into UK law.

Dominic Raab: There are currently no EU directives for which MoJ has responsibility awaiting transposition into UK law.

Ministry of Justice: EU Action

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, which EU (a) legislative and (b) other proposals his Department is leading negotiations on for the Government in the Council of the EU.

Dominic Raab: This Department is currently leading negotiations on the following legislative proposals:Proposal for a Council Decision on a Union position in the EU – the Republic of Albania Stabilisation Council on the participation of the Republic of Albania as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ work and the respective modalities, within the framework of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.Proposal for a Council Decision on a Union position in the EU – the Republic of Serbia Stabilisation Council on the participation of the Republic of Serbia as an observer in the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights’ work and the respective modalities, within the framework of Council Regulation (EC) No 168/2007.Ongoing consideration of the European Union’s Accession to the European Convention of Human Rights following Opinion 2/13 of the CJEU.The following are ongoing negotiations within my department’s remit that the UK does not participate in. My department, however, monitors the negotiations to ensure that these proposals do not negatively impact UK interests.Council Regulation on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law and the Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions in matters of Matrimonial Property Regimes.Council Regulation on Jurisdiction, Applicable Law and the Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions in matters of the Property Consequences of Registered Partnerships.Directive on Provisional Legal Aid for Suspects or Accused persons Deprived of Liberty and Legal Aid in European Arrest Warrant Proceedings.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Broadband

Michael Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if he will provide additional funding for broadband provision to difficult to reach properties in (a) rural and (b) urban areas which have not been provided with access under the Universal Service Obligation to date and where Openreach fibre rollout has been delayed for more than a year.

Mr Edward Vaizey: Superfast broadband coverage will reach 95% of UK premises by the end of 2017. Further funding from clawback and efficiency savings in the local broadband contracts with BT will allow this coverage to be extended further.In addition it is the Government's intention to implement a new broadband Universal Service Obligation. This will give people the legal right to request a broadband connection, no matter where they live, by the end of this Parliament. Our ambition is that this should initially be set at 10 Mbps.

Department for Work and Pensions

Social Security Benefits: Disqualification

Mr Roger Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what information his Department holds on the cost to his Department of processing mandatory reconsiderations in each of the last three years.

Justin Tomlinson: Holding answer received on 29 June 2016



Mandatory Reconsideration was introduced under Appeals Reform with the aim of getting disputed decisions right as early as possible, and to reduce the need for a lengthy and costly appeal process Mandatory Reconsiderations were introduced from October 2013 as part of Appeals Reform so the 13/14 year costs quoted below are for DLA, ESA, IS, JSA and PIP, and are not for a full year. The operating costs that have been referred to in the response include the staff and non-staff costs broken down by the Benefit Activity of Mandatory Reconsideration. The costs have been rounded to the nearest £1000. Full Year is the Total amount of Operating Costs for that financial year, The management information contained within this document does not form part of any official statistics and is intended for DWP internal use only. These costs include the additional staff training and resource to embed Mandatory Reconsiderations and support the application clearance process. The department has also identified process improvements which have reduced costs. YearCostsOctober 2013 – March 20147,640,30April 2014 – March 201525,893.50April 2015 – March 201618,946.90  Source: Activity Based Management System – Operating Costs (L1A).

Occupational Pensions: Fees and Charges

Julian Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, on what date the Financial Conduct Authority review on the disclosure of transaction cost information for workplace pension schemes is planned to be published.

Justin Tomlinson: The Government and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) remain committed to ensuring that members of pension schemes are able to obtain information about the costs and charges which they bear. Governance bodies of defined contribution workplace pension schemes are obliged, under existing requirements, to assess transaction costs. The FCA is actively considering how to achieve greater transparency and standardisation of these costs, and plans to publish a consultation later this year.

Employment: Disability

Amanda Solloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will take steps to facilitate and promote (a) work opportunities and (b) apprenticeships for people with both a physical and mental disability.

Justin Tomlinson: The Government is committed to halving the disability employment gap between disabled and non disabled people. Employers have a crucial role to play in this. Disability Confident is encouraging employers to attract, recruit and retain disabled people who are eager to work and have the skills, talents and abilities that employers are looking for. Employers can register their interest in being Disability Confident and will then be sent advice, support materials and links to other resources. More than 600 employers have registered and the number continues to grow. There are also DWP programmes that can provide practical assistance to disabled people in work, such as Access to Work. During 2014/15 Access to Work supported over 36,000 disabled people to take up or remain in employment. We have expanded Access to Work’s Mental Health Support Service to conduct a two-year trial of targeted support for apprentices with mental health conditions. In addition a Taskforce, led by Paul Maynard MP, has been looking at issues around apprenticeships for people with learning difficulties or disabilities. Ministers are currently considering its recommendations.

Palliative Care: Children

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps he has taken to ensure that families of children with life-shortening conditions receive financial support in order to care for their children.

Justin Tomlinson: The benefits available to the parents of children with life shortening conditions will depend on the particular circumstances of their household. Extra support is available to those parents who have had to give up full-time work to care for a child with a health condition or disability through benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Income Support and Universal Credit. Disability Living Allowance may also be payable for children with a health condition or disability as a contribution towards the extra costs they may incur.

Department for Communities and Local Government

Communities and Local Government: Domestic Visits

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 14 June 2016 to Question 39438, if his Department will keep an annual record of locations visited by Ministers and officials of his Department in the future; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Mark Francois: Officials in my Department keep accurate official records in line with Cabinet Office guidance and in accordance with business needs.

Housing Ombudsman Service

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, how many cases referred to the Housing Ombudsman since 2015 have (a) not yet been concluded and (b) been awaiting consideration for more than 12 months.

Brandon Lewis: There are no cases which have awaited consideration for more than 12 months. Six cases over 12 months old have not yet been determined but are under active consideration.

HM Treasury

Overseas Trade

Andrew Rosindell: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if his Department will prioritise the recruitment and training of trade negotiators in the event of the UK voting to leave the EU.

Mr David Gauke: As the PM announced on Monday 27th June, the Cabinet has agreed the creation of a new EU unit in Whitehall. This will bring together officials and policy expertise from across the Cabinet Office, the Treasury, the Foreign Office and the Business Department.

Financial Institutions: Capital

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of instituting a common standardised approach for calculation of risk weights in the capital requirements regulation for banks and building societies, including new entrant banks less than five years old.

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what correspondence he has had with (a) the Competition and Markets Authority, (b) the Prudential Regulation Authority and (c) new entrant banks about the internal ratings-based approach and the standardised approach for risk weights in capital requirements regulation; and if he will place a copy of that correspondence in the Library.

Harriett Baldwin: The government is committed to increasing banking competition and meets with a wide range of institutions as part of the process of developing policy to help drive more competition. We have already taken significant action to improve competition in banking. This includes:Delivering the Current Account Switch Service and midata so customers are able to compare personal current accounts and switch where they see a better deal – simply, quickly and reliably;Lowering barriers to entry and helping to establish the New Bank start-up Unit, making it quicker and easier for new banks to enter the market and compete effectively with the incumbents;Creating the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) as a single, stronger competition regulator, to promote competition and ensure markets work well for consumers, businesses and the wider economy. The government is also taking action by working with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Bank of England to introduce a more proportionate prudential regime for smaller banks and building societies. The exchange of letters between the Economic Secretary and Andrew Bailey published in November 2015 highlights this work. In its retail banking market investigation, the CMA provisionally found that banks on the standardised approach are at a competitive disadvantage in the provision of lower LTV mortgages compared to banks using internal models. It also stated that the capital requirements regime has the potential to impact on competition in retail banking in a range of areas. The government, working with the PRA and Bank of England will take forward the issues identified by the CMA.

Stocks and Shares

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the systemic financial risk from tranching of securitised assets.

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the (a) benefits to the economy and (b) systemic financial risks from synthetic securitisation.

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the European Parliament Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs' draft report on the proposal for a regulation on securitisation and creating a European framework for simple, transparent and standardised securitisation; and whether he supports the Committee's proposal to increase risk retention from five per cent to 20 per cent based on a vertical slice of securitised assets.

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what correspondence his Department has had with (a) the Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union and (b) UK banks on the European Commission's proposed regulatory framework for simple, transparent and standardised securitisation; and if he will place a copy of that correspondence in the Library.

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the risks to financial stability from the European Commission's proposed regulatory framework for simple, transparent and standardised securitisation; and if he will make a statement.

Harriett Baldwin: The Government welcomed the development of international and EU standards to revitalise the regulatory framework for securitisation by encouraging the use of simpler and more transparent products. We agree with the Bank of England that a well-functioning and stable securitisation market will benefit financial stability and the wider economy. We support the Basel standards for securitisation, set with the intention of enhancing financial stability, which see features such as tranching and synthetic structures as being legitimate activity. We also support the need for all securitisations to adhere to appropriate rules on transparency and investor due diligence, and that they must be afforded sensibly calibrated capital requirements. Following the financial crisis it was Basel, working with the Financial Stability Board and the International Organization of Securities Commissions which, set the 5 percent risk retention standard. In the development and delivery of policy, Treasury Ministers and officials are in regular contact with relevant institutions, regulatory authorities, other governments, industry and other civil society groups including think tanks such as Finance Watch.

Bank Services

Richard Burgon: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the results of the Current Account Switching Service for personal current account holders with overdrafts.

Harriett Baldwin: The Government is committed to increasing competition in banking to ensure banks have to work hard to offer the best possible products and services to their customers. A key part of that is making the process for customers switching their current accounts as easy and as effective as possible, to ensure customers are able to hold their banks to account by voting with their feet. The Government has already undertaken a lot work to improve the process for customers switching their current accounts, including helping to deliver the Current Account Switch Service to enable customers to switch banks simply, quickly and reliably, and delivering midata, to enable customers to compare which bank is best for them based on how they use their current account. As part of its retail banking market investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering what additional improvements could be made to the process of customers switching current accounts, including requiring banks to make it easier for customers to switch their overdraft when they move banks. The CMA is also considering other additional measures designed to support overdraft users. The Government welcomes the CMA’s investigation, and stands ready to take action as necessary once it publishes its final report in the summer.

Invest to Save Budget

Julie Cooper: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many evaluation reports HM Treasury's Invest to Save Budget Unit produced between 1999 and 2010.

Julie Cooper: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what the funding was of the Invest to Save Budget from 1999 to 2010.

Julie Cooper: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many projects were funded by the Invest to Save Budget between 1999 and 2010.

Julie Cooper: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many criminal and restorative justice programmes were funded by the Invest to Save Budget.

Greg Hands: Information on Invest to Save Budget’s funding and programme can be found using the following link:http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090321152148/http://isb.gov.uk/hmt.isb.application.2/index.aspHM Treasury does not hold specific information on the number of evaluation reports completed, or number of criminal and restorative justice programmes funded.However, more information can be found at the following links:Evaluation reports: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090321152148/http://www.isb.gov.uk/hmt.isb.application.2/BIDDERS/PSA.aspPolicy areas of projects completed: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090321152148/http://www.isb.gov.uk/hmt.isb.application.2/LEARNERS/ISB%20REVIEW%20240707%20final.pdf

Social Services: Minimum Wage

Paul Blomfield: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the Answer of 1 March 2016 to Question 25631, whether HM Revenue and Customs has completed its investigations into the six social care companies; and what recent assessment he has made of the extent of National Minimum Wage compliance in the social care sector.

Mr David Gauke: The government is committed to increasing compliance with minimum wage legislation and effective enforcement of it. Everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage should receive it. Employers who pay workers less than the minimum or living wage not only have to pay back arrears of wages at current rates but also face financial penalties of up to £20,000 per underpaid worker. HMRC has not completed all the investigations into the six social care companies. HMRC continues to be aware of the risks of underpayment of NMW in the social care sector and is prioritising complaints from workers; working with other agencies and departments to raise awareness of the rules; and undertaking targeted enforcement to ensure that workers are paid what they are legally owed.

VAT: EU Action

John Redwood: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when his Department plans to respond to the EU Action Plan on VAT.

Mr David Gauke: At the Economic and Financial Affairs Council in May 2016 Ministers adopted Council Conclusions on the EU VAT Action Plan.

Environment Protection: VAT

John Redwood: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his Department plans to bring forward VAT proposals to comply with the European Court of Justice judgement of 2015 on green products.

Mr David Gauke: The UK has applied a VAT reduced rate of 5% on 11 different types of energy saving materials since 2001. That existing reduced rate remains in place and is unchanged.

Drugs: VAT

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will review the rate of VAT levied on over-the-counter medicines; and if he will make a statement.

Mr David Gauke: VAT is a broad based tax on consumption, with the twenty per cent standard rate applying to most goods and services. A zero rate of VAT is applied to drugs provided on prescription and dispensed by a dispensing chemist. The Chancellor keeps all tax policy under review but has no plans to change the VAT treatment of medicines.

EU Grants and Loans: Scotland

Alison Thewliss: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, if the Government will bring forward proposals to underwrite all EU funding for projects in Scotland in response to the result of the referendum on the UK's membership of the EU.

Mr David Gauke: As the Prime Minister has made clear, while the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU funding arrangements continue unchanged. It will be for the new Government to begin the negotiation to leave, and set out arrangements for those currently in receipt of EU funds.

Northern Ireland Office

Northern Ireland Office: EU Action

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which EU (a) legislative and (b) other proposals her Department is leading negotiations on for the Government in the Council of the EU.

Mr Ben Wallace: The Department is not responsible for leading any negotiations at the EU Council.

Northern Ireland Office: EU Law

John Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what EU directives related to her Department's responsibilities are awaiting transposition into UK law.

Mr Ben Wallace: There are no EU directives related to the Department’s responsibilities awaiting transposition into UK law.

Department of Health

Contraception

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the number of healthcare professionals trained to fit intra-uterine methods of contraception.

Jane Ellison: The continuing professional development of doctors and nurses is the responsibility of individual employers. Health Education England has a role in ensuring employers remain committed to continuing professional development and in developing the overall strategy for workforce skills and development in their areas.

Health Professions: Training

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, who will be responsible for higher education placements for (a) allied health, (b) nursing and (c) midwifery in 2017-18.

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department plans to allocate additional funds to resource the 10,000 additional student placements for nursing, midwifery and allied health courses that his Department estimates will be created following the switch to student loans; and whether he plans to nominate any bodies to which these funds may be allocated in the academic years (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19, (c) 2019-20 and (d) 2020-21.

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether his Department plans to ring-fence funds to resource the 10,000 additional student placements for nursing, midwifery and allied health courses that his Department estimates will be created following the switch to student loans.

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when he plans to issue guidance on the additional placement numbers for nursing, midwifery and allied health courses to be made available by 2017-18.

Ben Gummer: Health Education England (HEE) will retain the responsibility for commissioning and funding the minimum number of clinical placements assessed as required to produce sufficient healthcare graduates for the National Health Service. Universities through the combination of tuition fees and additional teaching grant funding, that the Government has allocated to the Higher Education Funding Council for England, will increase the resources available for teaching. In addition, universities can now increase their student numbers, making their provision more sustainable. It is now up to universities to recruit more students. Universities are autonomous private institutions. It will be for universities to work as part of their local health economy with placement providers to secure extra placements for the additional students. The generation of extra places is a mutually beneficial arrangement between the health sector, universities and their student. We are seeking views from respondents to the current Public Consultation on how, in delivering these reforms, we look at the widest possible solutions to ensuring high quality clinical placements. These views will actively inform further stakeholder engagement prior to the government consultation response. Any arrangements to deliver additional places will need to strike the right balance and have appropriate mechanisms in place to take appropriate account of: capacity in the NHS, primary care and social care sectors, HEE workforce planning requirements and the opportunity for growth in the university sector. Alongside, we must ensure that all students have access to high quality placements and receive an outstanding placement experience.

Genito-urinary Medicine

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, with reference to the Department's Framework for Sexual Health Promotion in England, published in March 2013, what steps he has taken to ensure that arrangements are put in place for continuing professional development of the sexual health workforce.

Jane Ellison: The continuing professional development of doctors and nurses is the responsibility of individual employers. Health Education England has a role in ensuring employers remain committed to continuing professional development and in developing the overall strategy for workforce skills and development in their areas. As set out in the Government’s A Framework for Sexual Health Improvement in England, local areas should know of all the professionals who are part of their sexual health workforce, and that their skills are used to best effect. Staff should be supported to undertake appropriate training and development. Professional organisations can advise local areas on providing training for their staff.

Health Professions: Training

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what estimate his Department has made of the number of alternative providers entering the higher education sector to deliver health, nursing and allied health courses which will be (a) private and (b) for-profit.

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many additional providers his Department estimates will enter the higher education sector to deliver health, nursing and midwifery courses in the academic years (a) 2017-18, (b) 2018-19, (c) 2019-20 and (d) 2020-21.

Ben Gummer: This information is not held centrally. Education providers wishing to deliver health profession courses such as nursing or physiotherapy, must ensure the relevant regulator is satisfied that their proposed course will deliver graduates who possess the required knowledge and expertise of a newly qualified professional. For example, education providers wishing to deliver pre-registration nursing courses must submit their request in writing to the Nursing and Midwifery Council and meet a number of set criteria.

Department of Health: Coventry

Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many civil service employees of his Department were based in Coventry in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: This Department has not had any of its civil servants based in Coventry, at any time in the last five years.

Older People: Statins

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent discussions he has had with appropriate clinical bodies on the effectiveness of treatment with statins for people aged 60 and over.

Jane Ellison: There have been no recent discussions between the Department and clinical bodies on the effectiveness of treatment with statins for people aged 60 or over.Statins are used in the National Health Service for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence has issued guidance about the use of statins in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease which can found at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg181

Ovaries: Transplant Surgery

Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with appropriate clinical bodies on the provision of ovary transplants.

Jane Ellison: The responsibility for funding any new transplant service lies with the United Kingdom health commissioners.We have had no discussions with commissioners about ovarian transplants. There would need to be appropriate ethical, clinical, regulatory approval and include protocols for identifying potential donors and obtaining appropriate consent.

Dementia

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to increase awareness of risk reduction and prevention of dementia; and what information he holds on the effect of (a) alcohol, exercise and weight and (b) other risk factors; and if he will make a statement.

Jane Ellison: Dementia is a key priority for this government. That is why on 6 March 2016, we published the Implementation Plan to support the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020. As part of the Plan, we will transform our approach to risk reduction, using the NHS Health Check programme to educate more people earlier about the risks of developing dementia – and the steps they could take to reduce those risks. In March 2016, it was announced that Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, are piloting approaches to the dementia awareness and risk reduction component of the NHS Health Check, specifically with the younger age group, aged 40-64. PHE will also: - continue the “One You” campaign, launched in March 2016 which incorporates key messages around healthy lifestyle that are relevant for dementia risk reduction;- develop a brain age calculator, which will enable individuals to understand their personal risk of cognitive decline; and- continue to make dementia risk reduction an integral part of routine healthy lifestyle and behaviour change programmes. This is underpinned by the evidence set out in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines (2015): ‘Dementia, disability and frailty in later life – mid-life approaches to delay or prevent onset’, and the Blackfriars Consensus 2014. Alcohol, exercise and weight, as well as smoking, are established risk factors for dementia, identified in both the Blackfriars Consensus statement and the NICE guidelines. The Blackfriars Consensus makes clear that individuals can reduce their risk of dementia by living healthier lives by not smoking, drinking less, reducing their blood pressure, keeping physically active and better managing diabetes. You can access the Consensus through this link: http://nhfshare.heartforum.org.uk/RMAssets/Reports/Blackfriars consensus _V18.pdf The NICE guideline aims to delay the onset of dementia, disability and frailty, increasing the amount of time that people can be independent, healthy and active in later life. You can access the guideline through this link: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng16/resources/dementia-disability-and-frailty-in-later-life-midlife-approaches-to-delay-or-prevent-onset-1837274790085 PHE has commissioned evidence based resources, based on systematic reviews undertaken by Cambridge University on the evidence on physical activity and cognitive health.

North Middlesex Hospital: Accident and Emergency Departments

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he plans to take in response to the announcement by Health Education England that it will not allow postgraduate training to continue in North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust's emergency department because of concerns about support and supervision of trainee doctors at that hospital.

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department of findings of Health Education England's briefing paper on its inspection visit to North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust's emergency department in March 2016.

Ben Gummer: We understand that no announcement has been made by Health Education England (HEE) about ceasing postgraduate training in North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust's emergency department. We are determined to make the National Health Service the safest and most transparent healthcare system in the world, transforming patient safety and changing the culture of the NHS to support patients and doctors alike. Patient safety is the key concern of the Government. HEE’s role is to ensure that trainees have access to safe, high quality learning. Excellence in healthcare education leads to safe, high quality care for patients in both the short term and the long term. HEE continues to work with the Trust, NHS Improvement, NHS England and the General Medical Council (GMC) to support the Trust and ensure it has an achievable action plan for trainees to meet GMC standards. HEE has required the Trust to have sufficient middle grade and senior cover so that junior doctors are appropriately supported. The Trust has appointed a Clinical Director to lead the improvement work required. Enhanced oversight arrangements imposed by NHS Improvement and NHS England will ensure that rotas are safely staffed. Additional support has been provided to the Trust by other NHS organisations.

North Middlesex Hospital: Accident and Emergency Departments

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what representations officials, advisers and Ministers of his Department have made to the Chief Executive and Chair of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust since May 2015 on the standard of care in that hospital's emergency department.

Ben Gummer: The Department has not approached the Chief Executive or Chair of North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust directly about this matter. NHS Improvement is responsible for overseeing hospital trusts. It offers the support that providers need to give patients consistently safe, high quality, compassionate care within local health systems that are financially sustainable. NHS Improvement is continuing to work alongside NHS England and the local health and care system to ensure that the Trust has the resources it needs to ensure that patients receive safe, high quality care.

Chase Farm Hospital: Accident and Emergency Departments

Joan Ryan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has carried out of the effect of the closure of the emergency department at Chase Farm Hospital in 2013 on other hospital emergency departments in (a) Enfield and (b) North London.

Ben Gummer: This is a matter for the local National Health Service. The closure of the emergency department at Chase Farm Hospital was informed by the Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH) Clinical Strategy, which took full account of the likely effects and implications of that closure. The BEH Clinical Strategy has been through a rigorous due process, including a thorough planning and development phase, a public consultation and a number of gateway reviews and checkpoints.

Cervical Cancer: Screening

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to address the decline in cervical screening uptake in the 25 to 29 age group.

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what recent assessment his Department has made of the barriers that prevent women from attending cervical screening.

Dr Sarah Wollaston: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to increase cervical screening rates among (a) women with learning disabilities and (b) women in deprived communities.

Jane Ellison: There is a range of work going on to understand the reasons for the decline in cervical screening uptake amongst women aged 25 to 29 and to try to address them. They include: a) Data and information – access to data, cleansing, benchmarking for providers, timely and useful information for commissioners;b) Behavioural insight – communication with commissioners, providers, patients and public;c) Commissioning levers – commissioning contracts in public health (S7a) and primary care;d) Partnership work – relationships with commissioners and providers; ande) Sharing best practice – what works well, evaluation and how to embed quality improvement Public Health England (PHE) is working with colleagues in NHS England and Health and Social Care Information Centre to implement the Accessible Information Standard which is intended to improve access to services for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Through the re-development of cervical Information Technology systems opportunities will arise to review how to help improve uptake. PHE supports providers to help meet the Accessible Information Standard through the provision of high quality information for people with learning disabilities or sensory loss. A national group of experts and service users has been set up to oversee this work and will be updating the existing easy read leaflets and developing new materials over the next 18 months. PHE is aware that there are a range of factors which may act as barriers in hindering women from attending cervical screening. It is hoped that through the STRATEGIC (Strategies to Increase Cervical screening uptake at first invitation) interventions will be identified to help minimise barriers and assist women to attend screening whilst increasing uptake across all quintiles. The STRATEGIC trial was completed in 2015 and researchers are expected to publish findings later this year.

WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 24th May 2016 to Question 37256, on the WHO framework convention on tobacco control, when he expects to take a decision on whether the delegation will be led by Ministers in his Department.

Jane Ellison: The next meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control will be held in India from 7 to 12 November 2016. The composition of the United Kingdom’s delegation has not yet been decided.

Dairy Products: Children

Simon Hoare: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions he has had with Public Health England on the effect of the revised Eatwell Guide on milk and dairy consumption by children.

Simon Hoare: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions Public Health England had with child nutrition organisations on the development of the revised Eatwell Guide.

Simon Hoare: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what discussions Public Health England had with dairy organisations on the development of the revised Eatwell Guide.

Jane Ellison: The Eatwell Guide is suitable for everyone over the age of five years to follow and intends to assist the population in choosing a varied and balanced diet to meet government dietary recommendations (such as those for calcium). Departmental officials were observers on the External Reference Group that advised Public Health England on methodological approaches to refreshing the Eatwelll Guide. Government advice continues to encourage consumption of dairy products as part of a healthy, balanced diet for all age groups. An external reference group was convened to consult with stakeholders during the development of the Eatwell Guide. This group comprised representatives from health, dietetic and nutrition professions (including those with expertise in child nutrition). It also included the voluntary sector and industry (including the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board who represented the dairy industry). The group advised on potential methodologies to inform the sizes of the food group segments in the new Eatwell Guide whilst also providing routes for wider engagement.

Genito-urinary Medicine

Paula Sherriff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the number of contracts for sexual health services that include requirements to provide ongoing education and training.

Jane Ellison: The continuing professional development of doctors and nurses is the responsibility of individual employers. Health Education England has a role in ensuring employers remain committed to continuing professional development and in developing the overall strategy for workforce skills and development in their areas. Education and training needs are highlighted in the model Integrated Sexual Health Services: National Service Specification A suggested service specification for integrated sexual health services. The model is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/210726/Service_Specification_with_covering_note.pdf

Ambulance Services: East Midlands

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what progress has been made by the East Midlands Ambulance Service on reducing patient handover times to local hospitals.

Ben Gummer: NHS Improvement advises that East Midlands Ambulance Service is working with hospital trusts, clinical commissioning groups, NHS Improvement and NHS England to reduce handover delays. For example, since November 2015 at Leicester Royal Infirmary 1-2 hour delays have reduced by 67% and delays of more than two hours have been reduced by 76%. This has resulted in the average handover time reducing by 38% from 39 minutes to 24 minutes.

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust: Job Satisfaction

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps are being taken to improve staff morale at the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

Ben Gummer: Staff morale is measured using staff engagement scores in the NHS Staff Survey. Employers are best placed to decide how they most effectively improve engagement locally. The Department commissions NHS Employers to support trusts in improving staff engagement through a wide range of advice, guidance and good practice. The score for East Midlands Ambulance Service for 2015 has increased to 3.39 from the previous year’s score of 3.27. Possible scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating that staff are poorly engaged with their work, their team, and their trusts; and 5 indicating that staff are highly engaged.

East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust: Staff

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps are being taken to address understaffing at the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

Ben Gummer: NHS Improvement advises that East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust has made good progress in implementing its recruitment plan for frontline staff. During 2015/16, the Trust recruited and educated 350 whole time equivalent frontline staff, against a recruitment plan target of 342. However, the Trust experienced a higher level of staff turnover than expected (11% against a target of 8%). The Trust is addressing this through a number of initiatives, including the introduction of the role of technician, an intermediate qualified role between emergency care assistant and paramedic. It has agreed a funded education and career progression route in partnership with Health Education England (East Midlands) to support existing technicians to become registered paramedics. A three-year contract will support 48 Trust technicians in 2016/17 with further cohorts commencing in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Diabetes

Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what awareness-raising activities his Department has undertaken in support of Diabetes Awareness Week 2016.

Jane Ellison: Public Health England’s (PHE) One You and Change4Life campaigns encourage people and families to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes on an ongoing basis. PHE had scheduled Facebook posts raising awareness of Diabetes Awareness Week 2016.